This townhouse kitchen with adjacent family room was destined to be the most used space in the home. The room spans the width of the house, but the living area portion was shallow and its relationship with the kitchen was intimate.
When you find yourself living in close quarters, you quickly learn that your relationships with those around you are even more important. The same is true for the spaces within a small, open-plan home. Areas in close proximity are related geographically and in other ways, too. The visual transition from one area to the next needs to be smooth. Colour schemes, materials and the broader esthetic should relate. In an open-concept kitchen and living area such as this one, visual cohesion is critical.
In an open-concept home, the kitchen is so much more than a food-prep and eating area. It often doubles as a homework area and home office, triples as an entertaining space and games room. In addition, a wall-less floorplan means the kitchen is likely the first thing you see when you enter the home, so you want to ensure that a welcoming view greets you.
You can create continuity by carrying the same flooring in the living areas and into the kitchen. Consistent hardwood throughout will create the illusion of more space by blurring the boundary between the kitchen, living room and any other adjoining areas. By the same token, use a common colour palette for the whole open area. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to use one colour; but rather, make sure your choices are complementary. Remember, the goal is continuous flow.
In this connected kitchen and living area, we achieved continuity with a design that prioritized a furniture feel, as opposed to letting the kitchen chaos overwhelm. We integrated all the kitchen appliances with panels and added touch-latch mechanisms to avoid having hardware on most of the kitchen cabinetry. The media wall was designed as part of the kitchen millwork. By repeating elements, such as the black accents on the oak veneers, we created visual balance and unity in the space.
The decor was thoughtfully selected with layers of texture and a repetition of tonal taupe and greige that blends with the walls and draperies, leaving the room feeling light and airy. Richly hued, luxurious fabrics on the contrasting toss cushions were inspired by the modern art featured in the room.
The three Kelly Wearstler hanging pendant lamps suspended over the kitchen island feature a curvilinear design that complements the custom-designed range hood, while providing some relief from the modern linear elements throughout the space.
The island itself serves as a functional feature and a visual anchor for the space, seamlessly leading us from the living room into the kitchen. Used as a spacious food prep area, serving and dining space, it eliminates the need for a dining table and chairs, and frees up valuable space for other essentials. Make the most of this essential by investing in a quality countertop and if you’re including a kit, a great sink from a reputable brand like Blanco.
Whether spacious or small like this one, the kitchen is the hub of the home. Invest in the best you can afford and work with an experienced designer to ensure your kitchen delivers on function and style, within the greater context of your home and life.